Matthew Canavan (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for her question. I met with farmer representatives just today to discuss this issue, and certainly in my area there are plenty who have raised this issue with the government. That is why, during the election campaign, the government announced a review of the changes that were announced in last year's budget. We announced that we would provide relief to the sector for six months. During that campaign we announced that we would consult widely on any changes that might be proposed to us as a government and what changes could be afforded within the budget environment.

This is an important change to be made to our migration and working holiday visa arrangements. I put on the record that the industry—and certainly the farmer representatives I met with this morning—recognise the need for change in this particular space. Given the changes that were made when the carbon tax came in, the tax-free threshold went up to $18,200, such that many workers on working holiday visas at the moment do not pay tax and do not contribute. I certainly believe that all Australians and non-Australians working here should contribute to our public service.